July 17, 2026
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol.31, Issue 24
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African-American News&Issues
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
U.S. SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM 1955-2026 By: Fred Smith
WHO ARE THE NEW FACES OF THE KKK?
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
The history of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is often brought up in modern political debates, but the organization’s origins and political alliances have changed over time. Understanding the Klan’s history requires looking at the political landscape of different eras rather than assuming today’s political parties have always represented the same ideologies. The first Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, in 1865 by a group of former Confederate soldiers shortly after the Civil War. Its primary goal was to resist Reconstruction, the period during
which the federal government sought to rebuild the South and protect the civil and voting rights of formerly enslaved African Americans. The Klan used intimidation, violence, and terrorism to suppress Black political participation and restore white supremacy throughout the South. During the Reconstruction era, the vast majority of white Southern politicians belonged to the Democratic Party. At that time, many Democratic leaders in the South opposed Reconstruction policies and the
KKK on pg. 5
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, died on July 11, 2026, at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness. Preliminary findings from the medical examiner indicate that he died from an aortic dissection, a life-threatening tear in the body’s main artery, with no evidence of foul play. Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was a prominent voice on national security and foreign policy. Throughout his career, he became one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies after years of earlier disagreements. Leaders from both political parties honored his decades of public service and dedication to the nation. Before entering the Senate, Graham served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives after beginning his public service career in the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a judge advocate. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he earned a reputation as a knowledgeable voice on military affairs, judicial issues, and international relations. Throughout his decades in Washington, Graham often played a key role in bipartisan negotiations while remaining a strong advocate for national defense. His legacy includes a long record of legislative work, support for veterans, and a lasting influence on Republican politics and U.S. foreign policy. AA